July 30, 2012

Newport Vacation :: Orange County Family Lifestyle Photography

Such a fabulous summer vacation!  C-Family was celebrating their one year anniversary and the merging of their two beautiful families into one beautiful family.  It was my distinct pleasure to hang out with them as they recouped from their fun day at Disneyland and got ready for their sunset dinner on the beach.  From the happiest place on earth to one of the prettiest places on earth.  We snapped away until the Beachcomber Bistro had their dinner table ready...


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Ok, so here’s the deal.  I think it’s time I lay my cards out on the table.  Yes, I take “portrait” pictures.  Yes, I even do some loose “posing” – meaning, I’ll move you into close proximity and see what unfolds from there.  And yes, back in my beginning photography days, my website originally promised 25-35 images from each session.  Now my website promises a minimum of 40 images. But, here’s the real low-down:  I’m unabashedly a “lifestyle” photographer.  I provide a *boatload* of images from each & every session I photograph.  I shoot your family the same way that I shoot my own:  to tell a story.  To capture the details, the stuff that helps you go right back to that moment in time, smell the smells, see the sights, feel the feelings, remember the love.  All the pictures, they go together.  They belong together.  As a whole, they tell your story.  It's why I always encourage my clients to buy the digitals or to get an album that has all the pictures together.  

C-Family, I know some of the pictures I took might seem downright silly, inconsequential – “why would she take a picture of that?”  Here's my intent:  that you would look upon these images and always remember that darling-baby-girl was constantly in motion as she approached her 2nd birthday.  That she was adored by all and rarely not being held and loved on by someone.  That bougainvillea bloomed abundantly everywhere in Orange County. That grandpa, after 50+ years of marriage, unabashedly carries grandma’s purse and is none the less manly for his service.  That grandma is one stylish lady (I love the bling on her jacket!).  That the fireplace in Newport came in handy to ward off the chill of the July marine layer (a not uncommon phenomenon during “summer” in SoCal).  That Dad is eminently at ease behind a bar and loves to serve up a tasty drink to one and all.  That there was joyful exuberance in jumping.  That the sun rays burning through the clouds were awe-inspiring.  That the silly songs sung on the shuttle made everyone laugh.  That grown-up "children", who didn't grow up together, carved time out of their busy lives to come hang out together and forge new family ties.  And Mr. & Mrs. C, that on the eve of your one year anniversary, you are not only still deeply in love but that you are clearly best friends.  I hope these pictures help you always to remember this lovely moment in time.  Thank you for allowing me to be a witness to it all.  

lifestyle collage

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Newport Beach Family Photographer

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Seriously, I feel like I snuck away in somebody's backback during this evening of their vacation. I hope they didn't mind. ;)

Just beautiful. All.of.them.

Anonymous said...

I always used to question (in my hear) how it was possible for my photographer friends to only provide 25 images. I was a BOATLOAD of images girl too for the same reasons you listed. It's all part of the story. :)

Tracy P. said...

Oh my gosh, Susan. This is why I love you. And it's also why I'm scared to death to even CONSIDER hiring a photographer. I am afraid that if they did what I wanted them to do (THIS!), it would cost me $10,000 to buy all of the images I want in print. YES to the digital files! I can make my own book. I thank God for the way you love people and serve them through your photography.

stacey said...

Um...yes. I promise a number of images but usually give three times that many for the EXACT same reasons you listed. Telling the story is WHY I take photos. This was a beautiful post with beautiful images that this family will cherish forever.

Anonymous said...

Love this style...you capture moments and memories not just pauses and poses!

Tracey said...

And telling the story you do so well! What a beautiful gift to give them! I'd buy every one!

Anita Johnson said...

Lots to think about here, Susan! I'm starting to get this. (o: The book idea is what sells me on this (of course, MANY of your images are stand alone too)...who wouldn't want to remember ALL the fun that you captured here...THIS is the day they will remember...looking back at the details, the glances, the touches, the fun! Well done!

Unknown said...

Oh yes! YES! This is why I love you! I love that you tell a story. With your boatload of pictures. Me too.
Love, another boatloader ; )

Sam Ford said...

Oh my god....... So beautiful Family pics. Just made me remember about family photographer Newport Beach. Nice sharing and continuously telling each of the families stories-- JUST LIKE THAT....Would love to read your blog always and always :) CHEERS